Lawyers for US cancer sufferers challenge Bayer’s $7.25bn Roundup settlement deal

The Guardian World

by Carey Gillam

February 25, 2026

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Lawyers representing nearly 20,000 cancer sufferers are challenging Bayer's proposed $7.25 billion settlement over claims that Roundup, a glyphosate-based weedkiller, caused non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The group of 14 law firms argues the deal is unfair to plaintiffs, as it offers payouts ranging from $10,000 to $165,000, which they claim does not adequately compensate those affected by the disease. They filed motions in St. Louis city circuit court on February 24 to intervene and extend the timeline for court approval of the settlement. The case has been ongoing since Bayer acquired Roundup manufacturer Monsanto in 2018, with thousands of lawsuits alleging that glyphosate exposure caused non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The proposed class action settlement aims to resolve these claims, but critics say it undervalues the severity of the harm caused and could prevent fair compensation for many plaintiffs. Lawyers for the group argue that the payout range is insufficient, particularly for those with more severe symptoms or longer-term health issues. This legal battle highlights a broader debate over corporate accountability and the long-term impacts of glyphosate-based products, which are widely used in agriculture worldwide. The outcome of this challenge could set a precedent for how companies handle similar cases involving chemical exposure and public health concerns. If successful, it could delay or alter the terms of the settlement, potentially affecting thousands of plaintiffs who have already been compensated under the agreement. For readers interested in global health and corporate responsibility, this story underscores the ongoing tension between industrial agriculture practices and human health. The case also raises questions about the adequacy of compensation for victims of chemical-related illnesses and the broader implications for companies marketing such products. As the legal battle continues, the stakes remain high for Bayer, plaintiffs, and the millions who rely on glyphosate-based weedkillers worldwide.

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/25/2026